Jacksonville City Council Considers Transit System and Hears Complaints of Employee Harassment of Local Business at Last Meeting

1. Call to order.
2. Roll call.
   1. Tony Taylor – Present
   2. Sherry Laster – Present
   3. Coty Galloway – Present
   4. Andy Green – Present
   5. Terry Wilson – Present
3. Acceptance of minutes.
4. Fishing Rodeo. – Councilman Galloway stated that there will need to be $5,000 to cover the cost of fish and food. The event will be September 30th and will be for 100 kids. Registration will open closer to the event and more details will be released as well.
5. EARPDC Transit Study and Action Plan – Mark Stephens.

Any other business.- None

• Call to order.
• Invocation: Rev. David Haynes Westside Baptist Church
• Special Guests: Two students from Kitty Stone Elementary were present, Sandy and Jamie Smitherman led the pledge.
• Pledge of Allegiance.
• Roll call.
  • Tony Taylor – Present
  • Sherry Laster – Present
  • Coty Galloway – Present
  • Andy Green – Present
  • Terry Wilson – Present
• Adoption of minutes. – Unanimously Approved
• Adoption of agenda. – Unanimously Approved
• Proclamations. – None
• Public comments concerning agenda.
  • Chief Kadle spoke to confirm the final numbers regarding the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Grant.
    

    The purpose of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program is to protect the health and safety of the public and firefighting personnel against fire and fire-related hazards. After careful consideration, FEMA has determined that the recipient’s project or projects submitted as part of the recipient’s application and detailed in the project narrative as well as the request details section of the application – including budget information – was consistent with the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program’s purpose and was worthy of award.

• Consider action to accept the AFG Grant for the installation of Diesel Exhaust Systems at Fire Station No. 1 and No. 2, with the City paying the required 5% match, 5% grant writer fee and additional funding up to $100,000. – Unanimously Approved
• Consider action to approve the current list of Volunteer Firefighters. – Unanimously Approved
• Consider action to approve an additional position of Police Officer, Range 18. – Unanimously Approved
• Consider action to approve the employment of the following: – Unanimously Approved
  • Robby A. Lane, Laborer in PARD, Range 1, effective upon compliance with Ordinance No. 273, due to the resignation of Dylan Ty Glass.
  • Jerry Benefield, Laborer in PARD, Range 1, effective July 12, 2023, due to the promotion of Nicholas Day. (Mr. Benefield is currently a temporary laborer)
• Consider action to approve the reclassification of the following: – Unanimously Approved
  • Drake Shew, Firefighter/EMT, Range 11, effective July 12, 2023, due to obtaining EMT certification.
• Consider action to accept the resignation of the following: – Unanimously Approved
  • Adrienne Gibson, Recreation & Athletic Assistant, effective July 12, 2023.
  • Matthew Hardeman, Fire Engineer/Paramedic, effective July 16, 2023.
• Consent Agenda – Unanimously Approved
  • Budget Amendment Requests.
  • Purchases over $7,500.00.
  • Requests to Attend Conference/Training Session with Costs Exceeding $1,000.00.
• Public comments for general items.
  • Several residents of the Cotten Creek and Eagles Landing spoke about the stormwater drainage issue that is still impacting them on a regular basis. It is creating health hazards, roadway debris, and property damage. There is a continued request to address this issue. 
  • Laura Humphries owner of Redbird Coffee House spoke about her disappointment in the stance of the city officials about communication received from city officials in what is deemed an inappropriate matter. These communications are coming from personal facebook messages and demanding that businesses contact the city. She is requesting that a professional matter of communication be used for all communications and that communication through personal profiles stop immediately. 
  • Gary Humphries owner of Redbird Coffee House also spoke to this matter and he stated that he is being harassed due to his faith. This matter has repeatedly addressed with city officials and he has been ensured it would be handled. He asked directly why this person is still employed by this city if they are not following procedures. He also went on to state the city is allowing his business to be harassed by a city employee from a personal facebook account and this employee is targeting his business. He also stated this creates legal issues. 
  • Several residents of Eagles Landing spoke about speeders and drivers running stop signs. They are requesting that the speeding on George Douthit being addressed as well as the speeding in front of the neighborhood.
• Council Member Remarks.
  • Councilwoman Laster reminded all about the free haircut event on the 17th.
  • Councilman Taylor wanted to thank those that spoke. He acknowledged that it was not always easy, but it is important that the council hears the issues.
• Mayor’s report.
  • JaxFest was a success. 
  • Upcoming Sales Tax Holiday on July 21-23.
• Any Other Business. – None
• Consider action to adjourn into an Executive Session under the provisions of the Code of Alabama, Section 36-25A-7(a)6 to discuss the sale of real property. – Unanimously Approved